Steel and construction industries to continue contributing to economic prosperity

According to *Tradearabia news report, steel and construction industries will continue contributing to the region’s long-term economic prosperity and diversification, said senior industry experts at Constructsteel Conference held recently in Dubai.

The conference, organised by the World Steel Association (worldsteel), is an annual event, designed to allow global steel construction professionals to meet, network and discuss the future of the industry.

It had previously been held at London (UK) and Dusseldorf (Germany) and last week made its regional debut, stated worldsteel, a non-profit organization based in Belgium with more than 170 members representing 85 per cent of the global steel production.

Held under the theme of ‘The Future of Steel Construction 2030’, conference attendees discussed the future of market segments, disruptors in the construction industry, as well as the steel and construction industries’ continued potential to power sustainable development, long-term economic diversification and innovation in smart technology.

Sponsored by Emirates Steel, the only integrated steel plant in the UAE and a subsidiary of the General Holding Corporation (Senaat), the event had brought together 100 international companies and organisations.

The top industry experts at the conference included Dr Matar Hamed Al Neyadi, the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Energy and Industry UAE; Engineer Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, chief executive officer of Emirates Steel and Dr Edwin Basson, director general of the World Steel Association (worldsteel).

Addressing the gathering, Dr Al Neyadi said: "The steel and construction industries in the UAE have matured since their foundation decades ago, as is evident by the incredible projects and mega-structures completed across the nation. This maturation presents a host of new opportunities for both sectors."

"These include increasing the international exports, enhancing sustainable manufacturing and construction, and developing innovative smart technologies that will positively impact the steel and construction sectors," stated Al Neyadi.

"Looking ahead to 2030 and beyond, regional investments in hospitality, healthcare, education and infrastructure are likely to continue on an ever-growing scale. Steel and construction industries are well positioned to take advantage of this opportunity to continue contributing to the region’s long-term economic prosperity and diversification," he added.

Al Neyadi pointed out that by investing in sustainable practices and innovative smart technology, the steel and construction industries will be able to maintain their historic momentum by offering unique products, services and solutions that will enable sustainable construction and the development of smart cities.

In his keynote speech, Al Remeithi said: "Strong global population growth, increasing urbanisation and the continued development of megacities will continue to support the future growth of the steel and construction industries, despite pockets of declining demand currently being witnessed within certain markets."

"Looking to the future and the ongoing global decarbonisation effort, the steel and construction industries will play a critical role in enabling the emissions reductions outlined in the Paris Agreement," he noted.

"As an industry, we have a great opportunity to work hand-in-hand with governments and international organizations to share best practices, enhance sustainability and develop cutting-edge smart technologies that will, for example, facilitate the construction of Zero Energy Buildings," remarked Al Remeithi.

"This will allow the steel and construction industries to remain at the forefront of global economic growth for decades to come," he added.

The conference was also addressed by Dr Basson, who discussed the current state and future of the steel industry, as well as worldsteel’s role in facilitating advancements in sustainability and innovation through a wide range of initiatives.